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"I wouldn't speak so loud if I were you," said he slowly "The walls have ears You have much to lose if ears other than those in the wall should hear what could be said It would mean disaster I know, at least, that you do not love David Cable--"

"What! I--I worship"I love hi else in all the world How dare you say that to me!"

"Control yourself," he cautioned caliven you You love the pedestal on which you stand so insecurely You would rather hear his curse than to see the hand of social ostracisainst you Wait! A word from ainst you"

"I have committed no crime," she flared back at him, "I have deceived my husband, but I have not dishonoured hi, if you will"

"It would be a luscious tale," he said with an evil laugh "The world, which is wicked, hter; but David would not forget that she is yours"

"What do youfrom her chair

"I think you understand," he said deliberately

"My God, she is NOT my child!" she cried in horror "You know she isn't You know the entire story You--"

"I only know that you brought her to me and that I did you a service Don't ask lared at hi, the full force of his threat rushing in upon her

"You--you COULDN'T do THAT," she whispered tremulously

"I could, but I don't see why I should," he said, leaning closer to her shrinking figure

"You know it isn't true," faintly

"I only know that I a to save you froing to her feet "Go! I defy you! Do and say what you will Only go!"

He rose calmly, a satisfied smile on his face

"I shall, of course, first of all, forbidwoman It will be necessary for me to explain the reason to Mr Cable I am sorry to have distressed you Really, I had expected quite a different evening, after your invitation You can't bla me to coh was a sneer

"Poor--poor little Jane!"her hands over her eyes; then suddenly she cried out: "What a devil you are to barter with your son's happiness!"